Hydrafacial Treatments For Clearing Up Acne Breakouts

How Hydrafacial Can Improve Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It manifests as everything from blackheads and whiteheads to red, inflamed pimples. Acne can be painful and also take an emotional toll, especially for teenagers and adults dealing with visible breakouts.

While over-the-counter creams can help, moderate to severe acne often requires professional skin treatments. One such treatment is Hydrafacial - a patented skin resurfacing procedure that uses a device with serums to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin.

What is Hydrafacial?

Hydrafacial is performed by certified aestheticians and utilizes a hydradermabrasion device. The device has a tip that vacuums away dead skin cells and impurities while simultaneously bathing the skin in hydrating serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.

Hydrafacial provides many of the benefits of more invasive procedures, like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, but without damaging the skin. Most people describe the Hydrafacial treatment as relaxing and soothing.

Can Hydrafacial Help With Acne?

Yes, Hydrafacial offers solutions that make it an appealing acne treatment. During a treatment, pore clogging debris is removed, the complexion appears brighter, skin feels ultra-clean, and breakouts are calmed.

More specifically, here is how Hydrafacial addresses common acne problems:

Deep Cleansing

One core function of Hydrafacial is to deeply clean and decongest clogged pores. The device tip uses vacuum pressure to extract dirt, makeup residue, oil and built up dead skin. Removing this debris and buildup helps prevent acne lesions from forming.

Exfoliation

Acne prone skin tends to have a higher rate of dead skin cell turnover. If not properly exfoliated away, old skin debris will accumulate in pores causing clogged pores and breakouts. Hydrafacial uses a glycolic/salicylic acid serum to gently but effectively lift away this dead skin to reveal fresh skin underneath.

Calming Inflammation

For red, swollen pimples, Hydrafacial offers immediate anti-inflammatory effects. The device tip vacuums away bacterial debris in pores to remove some of the initial triggers for inflammation. Hydrafacial serums also contain antioxidant rich botanical extracts like green tea, licorice root and chamomile to soothe irritation.

Shorter Breakouts

By clearing pores of impurities and reducing inflammation, Hydrafacial helps shorten the lifespan of existing pimples. Individual acne lesions often resolve quicker following treatment.

Hydration Support

Dehydrated skin struggles to shed dead cells which can block pores. Rich serums used during Hydrafacial treatments attract hydration and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. Well hydrated skin produces less oil over time, and stays “plump” enough to keep pores clear.

What to Expect During a Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial treatments are soothing, water-like and take just 30-60 minutes depending on the protocol. The tip glides lightly over the skin utilizing a combination of vacuum pressure and topical serums tailored to your skin’s needs.

Steps generally include:

Cleansing and Peeling

The aesthetician cleanses away makeup, dirt and oil buildup then uses a beta and salicylic acid serum to lift dead cells and prep skin for extraction.

Extraction

Vacuum pressure extracts debris from congested pores leaving them clean and clear.

Hydrating Serums

Antioxidant and hyaluronic acid serums get pressed deep into the freshly revealed skin to maximize hydration and regeneration.

LED Light Therapy

Some locations offer LED light as an add on. The correct wavelength targets acne causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

Protection

A mineral based sunscreen can be applied as a final protective step if getting a Hydrafacial during daylight hours.

How Often to Get Hydrafacial Treatments

For ongoing acne management, most providers recommend hydrafacial treatments every 2-4 weeks. Maintaining regular treatments keeps pores clear and prevents the development of new breakouts. Occasionally monthly appointments work for those just needing acne “maintenance”.

Those with mild, hormonal and occasional acne tend to need less frequent hydrafacials than those with moderate to severe acne cases. The right cadence for you also depends on how quickly your pores refill and how rapidly breakouts recur.

Acne Scar Improvement

In addition to active pimples, hydrafacials also improve acne scarring. The deeply hydrating serums and vacuum pressure help soften and smooth out depressed, uneven scar tissue. Similarly, any remaining darkened spots or red acne marks appear lighter after multiple sessions thanks to ingredients like kojic acid and vitamin C.

At Home Acne Care Recommendations

In order to get the most out of hydrafacial treatments, proper at home skincare is key. Be sure to only use non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging) products recommended by your provider.

Here are some must-have acne combaters to use in conjunction with periodic Hydrafacials:

Cleansing Gel or Foam

Choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove excess oil and bacteria without stripping skin. Avoid abrasive scrubs.

Corrective Serums

Serums with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide help keeps pore clear of debris between facials. Alternate nights with a hydrating serum.

Oil Free Moisturizer

Look for light, water-based moisturizers called gels or emulsions. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid bind moisture to skin without leaving an oily residue.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Protect freshly treated skin from UV exposure which can darken acne spots. Aim for SPF 30 or higher reapplied throughout the day.

Watch for Triggers

Pay attention to lifestyle factors that seem to trigger your acne like diet, hormones, stress levels, new products and seasonal changes. Keep notes and discuss patterns with your provider.

The Takeaway

Hydrafacial is a technology driven treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates and extracts built up gunk within pores that leads to breakouts. The customizable serums also deliver nourishing ingredients where they can impart the most benefits.

By combatting acne on multiple fronts - reducing oily buildup, clearing debris, decreasing inflammation and improving moisture retention - Hydrafacial alleviates current blemishes and helps prevent new ones from appearing.

When maintained regularly, Hydrafacial helps acne prone individuals achieve consistently clearer, healthier looking skin long-term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.